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Summer Sale Tips For Plymouth Homes

Are you ready to sell your property in Plymouth?

Summer is around the corner, so it’s crucial to get started on the moving process. March to June are great times to sell, and we’ve got all the tips you need to ensure your property is snapped up quickly this summer. Let’s get your home sold quickly so you can relax and focus on enjoying the weather.

From taking advantage of the weather to choosing the right viewing times, we’re here to help. Keep reading to find out more about selling your home this summer.

Why Sell In The Summer?

While some think of the summer as a not-so-great time to put a home on the market, it can be lucrative to sell your property. Remember, homes look better in the sun!

Though many businesses slow down during the warmer months, property keeps turning. Many families take advantage of the school summer holidays to move while the kids aren’t in class.

Also, since many buyers are on their holidays, they can slow down and browse the market for potential properties. When marketed right, you can drum up more interest in your home.

Of course, we don’t all have the luxury of choosing when we can sell. If you’re selling a property in a hurry and worried about the specific season, don’t stress! Remember, homes sell at all times of the year. Plus, there are ways you can take advantage of the season to get a better price and a faster deal.

Top Tips For Selling In The Summer

Are you getting ready to sell? Here are some tips to remember when preparing your property.

Garden Season

Unlike the dark and damp winter periods, the summer is the time to let your garden shine. Outdoor space can make or break a sale, so take the time to prepare any gardens, patios, or outside areas.

Essential tasks to prepare:

  • Trim hedges/bushes.
  • Mow any lawns.
  • Sweep pavements or get rid of garden waste.
  • Tidy any general garden areas.
  • Remove any clutter.

Some sellers even apply a fresh lick of paint to any fences or power watch patios. You want your garden to feel as new as possible to help the buyer imagine lighting there.

Select Viewing Times Carefully

What time will you be conducting your viewings? While you won’t always be able to control your viewing times, you should take advantage of certain times if you can.

A key timeslot is golden hour, just before sunset. The lighting is best in this window, making your home shine. This is one of the most beautiful times during a summer’s day, so use it while conducting viewings.

It’s best to avoid evening viewings when the sun is down. While this doesn’t happen until late in the summer, as a rule of thumb, you want as much light as possible when potential buyers are looking around your home.

Highlight Flexible Living Spaces

Do you have a conservatory or a well-furnished patio? These areas look their best in the summer months. Make sure any flexible indoor-outdoor spaces are staged and well prepared. These are the rooms you want to highlight during the summer, as this helps potential buyers picture themselves living there.

Open Windows

Suppose it’s a particularly hot summer; try to open windows and doors before a viewing. Hot weather feels great, but if your buyers turn up to a stuffy house, they may not be so impressed. Get some air flowing through the home on a hot day to cool the rooms down and remove any unwanted odours.

The Takeaway

Selling your Plymouth home is exciting. Keep your home spotless and review what potential buyers want to see to make the most out of the viewing period. Keep any outdoors areas tidy and show them off when possible. Good luck with your summer sale!

Ready for some expert advice? Contact the Pilkington Estates team here.

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Five Things To Note When Moving To The Coast

Living by the sea is a dream for many homeowners, so if you’re finally picking up sticks and relocating to the coast, make sure you enjoy every moment. From childhood memories of beach days to the peace of walking by the water, there’s a special allure to coastal towns.

However, moving to the coast does come with some extra things to note. Make sure you’re ready for the move and a stress-free experience with our tips. We’ve gathered everything you need to know about moving to a coastal town to help you get prepared.

Considering to buy property near the coast in Plymouth? Keep on reading to find out more!

Maintenance Costs

When you start living by the sea, one of the main areas you’ll need to consider is the upkeep of coastal property. Due to corrosive saltwater, you’ll need to keep a close eye on your property. Often, the damage isn’t dramatic, and it’s easy to maintain over time. But, when left untreated, it can creep up on you!

Home Insurance

While the coast is a paradise, especially in the summer, it does come with a few drawbacks. Many seaside property owners find themselves having to pay higher insurance premiums. This is due to possible saltwater erosion, storms, and general wear and tear from the property’s location. To avoid this, shop around and explore different premiums to find the best price for you.

Weather

Coastal towns are unbeatable in the summer. There’s nothing like sitting by the sea on a hot day with ice cream. However, these towns can experience unpredictable weather throughout the winter and autumn months. From long storms to high winds, you’ll need to watch the forecasts to keep your coastal home protected.

Tourism

In summer, your new home will be busier than ever. When the tourist season starts, get ready for bustling streets and a lively atmosphere. If you like an exciting vibe, this will be good news. But, if you prefer peace and quiet, you may want to avoid the central areas and beach hotspots for the primary summer weeks. You’ll also have to note the traffic, as the tourist seasons can make travelling to and from work longer.

Better Mental Health

Finally, another area potential beach homeowners should note is that living by the coast can improve your mental health. The coast can provide a natural escape from life’s stresses, ideal for anyone that wants a slower pace of life or an outlet from the office. Many of us take holidays to the coast to reset during the summer, so living by the sea all year round will drastically improve your mental health. Enjoy!

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re considering a move or perhaps you already live by the coast, make sure you cherish the experience! Living by the sea has lots of benefits, and as long as you take care of your property and shop around for affordable insurance, it’s the perfect way to live.

Ready to buy property near the coast in Plymouth? Allow us to help! The Pilkington Estates team is here to provide expert advice and guidance throughout your move. Contact us here.

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Plymouth Becomes A Hotspot As House Prices Rise

Plymouth has been revealed as one of the property hotspots of the UK due to rising house prices. Exciting news for sellers, who may get more than they bargained for when selling their Plymouth property.

Thanks to Rightmove’s data, Plymouth’s popularity is more evident than ever. With excellent connections, tourism, and an exciting vibe, who wouldn’t want to live in the Ocean City?

Keep reading to explore the reasons behind these figures.

What’s Happening To Plymouth’s House Prices?

The Rightmove data showed the general rising trends in the UK and which cities have the most interest in 2022.

Plymouth was placed fourth on the list, making it into the top 5 property hotspots nationwide. The average house prices in Plymouth are now £231,914, and the area has seen a 12.5% rise in price.

Since lockdowns and the boom of remote working, more and more families are looking to cities like Plymouth to settle down. Instead of living in busy cities, homeowners seek alternative areas for better family life and natural landscapes.

Plymouth offers the best of both worlds. This city provides a unique coastline and gorgeous natural areas, yet the city centre never stops and gives locals a chance to eat, drink, and enjoy.

Other Property Hotspots

Alongside Plymouth, the Rightmove survey highlighted house prices rising in other UK areas.

At the top of the list is Bath, with a 15% jump in asking prices. This is the most significant increase on the list, proving Bath’s current popularity.

The second spot was taken by Truro, with a 14.8% jump in prices – proving the popularity of coastal areas. Other locations taken in the top five include Gloucester and Southend. It looks like the country and the coast are the two in demand areas for 2022.

General UK Property Trends

What’s causing this increase in some regions of the market?

Rightmove’s Director Of Property Data, Tim Bannister, noted “Since the pandemic started, we’ve been tracking interesting changes in buyers’ relationship with cities. In the first stages of the pandemic, we saw the popularity of some major cities like London temporarily drop as more people looked for more space.”

If there’s one thing the last few years have taught us, the large majority is looking to slow down. The once-popular London life isn’t the rage, and buyers are searching for alternative options.

House prices are shooting up as the demand outweighs the supply. If you’re considering selling your Plymouth home, now is a great time to get on the market for a great price.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s important to note the general property trends in your area. It’s exciting to see this extra interest in Plymouth, as this city has so much to offer. From tourist attractions to quaint streets, this city is a gem on the English coastline.

Are you ready to move? The Pilkington Estates team is always prepared to provide expert help and tailored advice. Contact us here.

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Considering A Mortgage? Here’s All You Need To Know

Choosing to move from renting to a mortgage is a significant decision. But, the change doesn’t have to be a scary one!

While a mortgage is likely to be one of the most significant financial commitments you’ll make, plenty of great deals are around. Before you jump into finding a Plymouth mortgage, make sure you’re aware of the factors that could affect your eligibility.

From credit scores to debt, there’s a vast range of things to consider. If you’re unsure where to start, keep reading! We’re here to help you find the mortgage that suits your needs.

Top Tips To Remember When Finding A Mortgage

Here are some of the most important factors to consider when looking for a mortgage. Don’t forget these!

1. Check Your Credit

Before you apply, find a copy of your credit report. This will be held by credit reference agencies (for example, Equifax or Experian). Checking your credit report beforehand will allow you to see what lenders will see when they receive your application.

Don’t worry if your credit score isn’t the best; there are many tricks to give it a quick boost. This includes closing credit cards you no longer use or checking whether you’re on the electoral roll.

2. Review Any Debts

Potential mortgage lenders will see if you have any outstanding loans or credit card debts. If you know you have some outstanding payments, try to reduce these as much as possible to show the lenders you’re on top of money management. This will improve the chances of your loan being approved, plus you may be able to borrow more.

3. Remember The Deposit

When it comes to finding a mortgage, saving for a large deposit is one of the most important tips. The more you can offer for the initial deposit, the broader choice of mortgages will be available to you. The best rates go to those with more significant deposits, plus you’ll also receive lower monthly payments due to your better deal. Of course, saving for longer isn’t always possible – but if you can delay your application, you’ll save in the long run.

4. Get Your Records Together

Mortgage lenders need to see proof of income, so make sure you have a P60 form ready for your application. This form summarises your annual income, plus all tax deductions. Many lenders also ask for three months of payslips and bank statements to assess how much you’re spending vs how much money is coming in.

This process can be much more complex if you’re a freelancer or self-employed. Mortgage lenders want assurance that you’ll be able to keep up with payments. To prove that you can, ensure that you have a SA302 form (from the HMRC) that shows the last three years of earnings.

5. When In Doubt, Ask For Help

At the end of the day, cementing an excellent mortgage deal can be confusing. If you’re unsure how to proceed or who to talk to, professional advice can make the experience much easier.

The Pilkington Estates team is always here to help. Whether it’s your first mortgage or not, we want you to find the best loan for your needs. We can connect you with an Independent Mortgage Advisor to make the moving process stress-free. Find our bespoke mortgage services here.

Final Thoughts

Is it time for you to apply for a Plymouth mortgage? Our knowledgeable team is here to help you throughout the moving process, from buying to selling. Contact us here for personal advice and expert property services.